Stories from the Frontlines:
Lessons in Environmental Justice
Listen to a few highlights from our toxic tour in Little Village hosted by our member organization, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO), and our fantastic tour guides Edith and Nancy. Thank you for sharing your stories and lessons learned on how we can continue to advocate and reimagine community spaces that center the needs of our families, friends, and neighbors.
Environmental Justice for Illinois
The Illinois Environmental Justice Act is a step in breaking down racist practices that have put communities of color at a disadvantage for decades. By increasing community participation and transparency in the industrial permitting process, the act ensures that government agencies take an honest look at the existing pollution in a community before allowing any more industry to pile on. This will bring much-needed equity to a process that has too long put vulnerable communities at risk.
Reshaping Community in the Fight for Clean Air on the Southeast Side
CEJN continues its reflection on the anniversary of the victory to deny the General Iron permit. Here we interview Breanna Bertacchi, member of the Stop General Iron campaign and former hunger striker.
Ineffective By Choice
The City of Chicago does not enforce environmental laws in any way that could seriously disrupt the operation of businesses that violate them.
Reflections from the Stop General Iron Hunger Strike
Yesenia Chavez, former Stop General Iron Hunger Striker shares powerful letter reflecting on the two-year anniversary of the hunger strike
No More Sacrifice Zones: We All Deserve Clean Air and Water
Members of CEJN recently attended a Mayoral Candidate Forum organized by the People's Unity Platform. Here we republish the speech by Alfredo Romo of Neighbors for Environmental Justice
Healthier Buildings as a Climate Solution for Chicago
At a time when we’re seeing extreme heat, droughts, floods, and other weather disasters due to climate change, it’s never been more important to take action on climate locally.
Ending Chicago’s Sacrifice Zones
Gina Ramirez and Myrna Salgado-Romo take a look at what it will take to challenge the legacy of structural racism in Chicago that has led to the creation of sacrifice zones.
We Need Lead Service Line Replacements, not Chicagwa
Chicago has a drinking water crisis. We have almost 400,000 lead service lines in our city, the most out of any major city in the nation.
Earth Day to May Day 2022 - Illinois Open Letter
The ten day period between Earth Day and May Day is a platform of solidarity and shared struggle between environmental, labor, and immigrant rights groups.
Reform Racist Permit Process In Order To Build A Healthier Southeast Side
Gina Ramirez reflects on the Stop General Iron victory, and looks ahead at the future for Environmental Justice in Chicago's Southeast Side.
Just Because We are Poor Does Not Mean We Should Be Treated Poorly
Members of the Southeast Environmental Task Force were recently invited to an event hosted by the Poor People's Campaign in Madison, WI. Here we republish the speech Oscar Sanchez gave at the event.
When the People fight, the People Win: Reflections on the Stop General Iron Hunger Strike
Last month the City of Chicago denied the final operating permit for General Iron. Read from community members as they reflect on the hunger strike that brought this fight to national attention.
Neighbors For Environmental Justice Fight for Clean Air in McKinley Park
Neighbors For Environmental Justice (N4EJ) formed in 2018 as a reaction to a newly constructed asphalt plant operating in McKinley Park without community input or knowledge.